The phone rang.

The shift ended, and while all walks towards home had a bit of caution, Mason was relaxed enough to take the call.

"Yeah, Lucas?"

"Sorry, if it's a bad time-"

Mason giggled.

"No silly, it's never a bad time."

"Oh. Well, I was just wandering, a bit alone with my thoughts right now."

"Here."

"It's just, pride this year was a bit understated."

"Can't have corporations being helpful when we need them."

"I know, right? Last year they supported us, now they don't say a peep! We're all alone by ourselves."

"Aren't we always? Being vigilantes and all."

"I know, but I feel kind of... defeated."

"Well, don't be. When people started disappearing, were you defeated then?"

"No..."

"I hate to say it, pal, but you gotta be like the heroes in your shitty comicbooks. Never give up."

"Never give up. Right."

Home was approaching, so Mason sighed.

"Talk to you later."

"Okay. Bye."

Ever paranoid, Mason inspected the door of his apartment. No break ins, no sign of life, nothing to make him live up to his words.

Good.